Raleigh Arts and the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum) are proud to partner with the Consulado General De Mexico en Raleigh to exhibit Mexican artist José Luis Martinez Pasillas’ sculpture "La Catrina" in coordination with Day of the Dead events and Casa Aguascalientes Chicago.
"La Catrina" is an iconic symbol of the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition. Casa Aguascalientes Chicago commissioned the artwork to travel to different cities to raise awareness about Mexican art, culture, and the Day of the Dead tradition. The 12 foot tall sculpture was hand-painted and carved by artist José Luis Martinez Pasillas in the Mexican state of Aguascalientes. It was first shown in Chicago, Illinois, on the Magnificent Mile.
On display outside of One Exchange Plaza in downtown Raleigh until Thursday, Nov. 9, "La Catrina" was installed in coordination with COR Museum’s annual Day of the Dead event on Nov. 3 and was visible on the Day of the Day 5k route on Oct. 28.
Special thank you to Consulado General De Mexico en Raleigh (Mexican Consulate), COR Museum, Casa Aguascalientes Chicago, the Raleigh Arts Commission and Public Art and Design Board, City of Raleigh’s Special Events Office, and Engineering Services Department for helping this project come to Raleigh.
Unveiling Ceremony
An unveiling ceremony was held on Oct. 26. View the ceremony video below.
"La Catrina" Sculpture Unveiling
About Día de los Muertos & La Calavera Catrina
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated each year in early November. It is a joyful reunion between the living and their dead ancestors. Families create altars called ofrendas with art, flowers, food, and candles to honor and hold events to pay respect to ancestors.
La Catrina was originally created by Jose Guadalupe Posada and later named, painted, and dressed up by Diego Rivera in one of his murals. It became an iconic figure in representing death and the way Mexicans face it.
About Raleigh Arts
Raleigh Arts, a part of the City of Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, fosters and promotes the arts in Raleigh by administering the programs of the Raleigh Arts Commission and the Public Art and Design Board and supporting the Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers.